Would you do this...? Thoughts....

[amoLucia]

Costing $1600, an NG tube is electively inserted into a pt for the sole purpose of a weight loss management program. The NGT with tubing is carried in a backpack and is connected to a formula bag that delivers 800 calories and runs 24/7. A "cycle" of feeding lasts 10 days and can be repeated for 10 "cycles'. The cycles are medically supervised with freq bloodwork and attendance at group meetings 3 times /wk is also required,

Saw this program discussed on a morning talk show that I had never watched before. I thought The Doctors was a soap opera. The show's panel of 3 doctors were interviewing a guest MD with a client pt (I think that she was also now a spokesperson /tech for the program?). The host panel doctors were aghast with the procedure citing cost, patient safety issues, long-term efficacy and other concerns that would be expected with such a program. For all their protests, I again got the impression that they were deep-down envious that they hadn't thought of the procedure to make money themselves. JMHO.

I liked the guest MD. He was well composed and informative, citing studies that sounded reputable. He kept emphasizing the "cycle" was ONLY a "jump start" to other weight management approaches for which the pts were educated/counseled and monitored . Guest MD and pt explained there was good weight loss (average 26 pounds) and no negative outcomes to the program. The MD is the only one performing the program in the US, although it is done in Europe.

I liked that MD. I would have had a gazillion other questions - I was that fascinated, but it was a TV show. MD explained that years ago (1960's or so) today's bariatric surgeries and other procedures were considered extreme. This was just a quick "jump start" other approach to weight loss and NOT a diet itself and that other dieting would be nec.

So what do you think --- would you have an NG inserted to "jump start" a diet for $1600???

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

The purpose of an NG tube is to empty the contents of the stomach. With that in mind, and "formula" that one would consume would be suctioned out via the NG tube. Seems like an expensive way to be bulimic.

If what they are talking about is a feeding tube that is inserted the same way as an NG tube, which is on a low setting and only delivers "X" amount of feed per hour, that may "jump start" someone's weight loss, however, I would be interested in how one then transitions back to a normal diet when it is removed.

A fair number of years ago, there was a liquid diet that people drank shakes all day as opposed to eating. The issues came to light when then they had to begin eating solids again. And some just didn't tolerate it as far as a full liquid diet for weeks on end.

NG tubes at best are uncomfortable. And irritating. I am not sure who would run around in their daily life with the NG tube intact and be comfortable with it. Even patients who are required to have an NG tube mostly find it daunting.

[Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN]

an ng tube is simply a tube to the stomach. it can be used to either empty gastric contents or can be used to feed a person. a "feeding" tube is like a fob Hoff or similar tube and is normally soley used to feed.

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

I can't imagine doing that... GROSS! What about placement? Who's checking that? What if someone pulls it out and puts it back down into their lungs and then feeds themselves some boost? This seems like a bad bad idea. Gross.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I'm sure there are people out there stupid enough to do it, but I'm not one of them. Eating less than you burn off causes weight loss. I'm not sure why people feel the need to complicate something so simple.

[HappyWife77, BSN, RN]

No I would not do that....

Maybe I would try eating healthy and walking to stay healthy.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

an ng tube is simply a tube to the stomach. it can be used to either empty gastric contents or can be used to feed a person. a "feeding" tube is like a fob Hoff or similar tube and is normally soley used to feed.

Um, dude/dudette.... it 's a Dobhoff.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

There is no way in Hades someone is going to put another NG tube in me. I would have to sedated.

It is excruciating.

What is in this magic formula that the person cannot just DRINK the stuff ?

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

There is no way in Hades someone is going to put another NG tube in me. I would have to sedated.

It is excruciating.

What is in this magic formula that the person cannot just DRINK the stuff ?

OMG, tube feed is perhaps the most disgusting stuff on the face of the planet. I have yet to find any of the formulas that didn't make me feel like upchucking all over myself at the smell of them. **SHIVER** I literally can not imagine lugging around four boxes of that crap in backpack all day. I mean, I guess I'd lose weight. I'd heave everything.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Sounds a little extreme to me. What happens when the ten days are up and the person goes back to their old eating habits?

[Mulan]

I wouldn't do it for $16.00.

[Mulan]

My "thoughts" are that I would jumpstart my own weight loss. 16 ounces of water first thing in the morning and plenty of water throughout the day, 1200 calories and exercise.